On Reading

By Peter Kim, Associate Deacon

702. That’s how many books I’ve read (and listened to on audio books) since 2011.  I really enjoy reading. I’ve heard that it’s quicker to gain knowledge through reading than through hearing someone talk. Why do I read so much? I’m not exactly sure. But I grew up poor.  Poor in spirit and in family finances. But during one summer in elementary school, my dad enticed me to read by saying he’d give me a penny for every page I read. And as a kid who wanted money, I rode my bike to the library to get books and read all summer. I think I got around $50 at the end of summer.  

But the reading dropped off throughout my high school and college years. After starting my working life, I started reading again. I started with job related books in the tech sector. Then branched into personal finance and self-improvement books. And yes, I read the Bible everyday. I’ve probably read through the Bible a dozen times, and almost once through with my kids. When I was dating my now wife, we read through the Bible once.  

What am I getting at? Well, wherever you are in life, your circumstances can always improve. Peace. Accomplishment. Resolution. Healing. Reading can be a part of it. It has helped in almost every area of my life. Gain knowledge from experts in specific field. Accelerate your expertise from authors who share their life secrets. Enhance your relationships with other and with God. There are so many reasons to read.